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Christmas Morning Monkey Bread Recipe with Cranberries and Pecans

Christmas Morning Monkey Bread - featured image
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This festive monkey bread is loaded with cinnamon, tart cranberries, and toasted pecans, all wrapped in gooey caramel sauce and topped with a sweet glaze. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packs refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16.3 oz each, cut into quarters)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped (toast for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (dairy or dairy-free, for glaze, optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze, optional)

Instructions

  1. Generously spray a 10–12 cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray, making sure to coat all nooks and crannies.
  2. Cut each biscuit into quarters to yield about 64 pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss biscuit pieces in the mixture until thoroughly coated.
  4. Layer a third of the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared pan, followed by a third of the cranberries and pecans. Repeat two more times, layering dough, cranberries, and pecans.
  5. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and glossy (about 2 minutes).
  6. Slowly pour the caramel sauce evenly over the biscuit layers in the pan. Tap the pan gently to settle.
  7. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  8. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges and invert onto a wire rack.
  9. For the optional glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over slightly warm monkey bread.
  10. Serve warm, pull-apart style, and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, serve fresh and warm. Toast pecans for extra flavor. If using dried cranberries, soak in warm water for 10 minutes. You can make this ahead by assembling the night before and baking in the morning. For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with seeds or omit. Add orange zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas, monkey bread, cranberries, pecans, holiday breakfast, brunch, pull-apart bread, festive, easy, cinnamon, caramel, glaze

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/christmas-morning-monkey-bread-recipe-with-cranberries-and-pecans/